Portland Maine News

Former Saint Joseph's College standout Noah Robinson '20 (Wappingers Falls, N.Y./Roy C. Ketchman) has signed a professional soccer contract with the Michigan Stars Football Club of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).

Founded in 2019, the National Independent Soccer Association league is in the third tier for U.S soccer and aims to bring quality professional soccer to every city and features clubs across the nation, from California to Florida as well as the Northeast.

In 2023, the NISA will field nine teams, with the season kicking off on March 31st and wrapping up on October 15th. The Stars will play a complete 24-game schedule with contests versus Albion San Diego, Chattanooga FC, Club De Lyon FC Orlando, Flower City Union, Gold Star FC Detroit, Los Angeles Force, Maryland Bobcats FC, Salt City Union, and Savannah Clovers FC.

A four-year starter for the Monks, Robinson is the first Saint Joseph's men's soccer player to sign a professional contract. 

Robinson played a critical role in the rise of the program during his time on the pitch, as the Monks won three straight GNAC Championships from 2016-18 and advanced to the NCAA Second Round each season. The team was ranked as high as No. 5 in Division III back in 2018, putting together a 42-game undefeated streak. Robinson started 78 out of 80 games played and capped his career having scored 23 goals with six game-winners and eight assists for 54 total points.

The 6'0 defender was a four-time All-Conference player who earned GNAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team United Soccer Coaches All-Region accolades following his senior season. Following the completion of his senior year, Robinson was named as the co-recipient of the 2020 GNAC Man of the Year.

Robinson expresses "I'm very grateful for my time at Saint Joseph's. During my four years I was given all of the tools and opportunities to excel academically and athletically. My time at Saint Joseph's was vital to my development not only as a player but as a person. I'm excited to sign my first professional contract with the Michigan stars, and to see what the future holds!"

Men's Soccer Head Coach Will Pike voices, "Noah was a fantastic player for us. He was pivotal in all phases of the game joining the attack from the back contributing with goals, assists, and key passes from the flank. He also captained the team through his defensive actions being one of the best 1v1 defenders, getting stuck in on any challenges, and winning aerial duels." Pike adds, "off the field he was a great mentor to his teammates and a big piece of the Saint Joseph's College community. I'm extremely happy and proud that Noah has been able to get this opportunity with the Michigan Stars Football Club."

The Stars will open their season on April 1st, 2023 at 6:00 P.M against Savannah Clovers F.C.

Original source can be found here